Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell says all property owners are responsible for shoveling their sidewalks, even if they don’t live there.

“We fully expect the lenders to take care of those properties. They will be cited and ticked and charged the cost of cleanup if they don’t.”

Heartwell says 95% of the roads have been plowed in the city. He says the city will send some crews out this weekend to clear sidewalks closest to schools. But he warns that they’ll begin ticketing people Monday.

“I can’t state strongly enough if you don’t clear your sidewalk, you’re putting people’s lives at risk. Children are walking in the street to go to school otherwise; you’ve got to get your sidewalk cleared.”

Those who are unable to shovel are asked to dial 2-1-1 for assistance.

People in Grand Rapids are used to heavy snowfall being less than a half an hour away from Lake Michigan. But even Heartwell admits this storm was more than he expected.